The queen of Afrikaans rock music, Karen Zoid, has set the South African iTunes charts alight this week as she officially drops her new single ‘Vir Jou’. The single quickly shot to number one on the music platform’s Afrikaans chart as the star makes her official return. Furthermore, the singer has announced that her highly-anticipated new EP ‘Op Die Oomblik – Deel Een’ releases countrywide on Spring Day.
Karen admits that she pours her heart and soul into each and every track on the upcoming record. The tone switches dramatically between classic rock arrangements, powerful ballads and deeply moving compositions. This project is split into three different chapters. The first six-track EP features brand new Afrikaans tunes, as well as a bonus track – a live recording of “Giant Mistake” with Parlotones front man, Kahn Morbee.
It’s been 6 years since Karen’s last Afrikaans solo album. Since then, she has gained tremendous following with her TV show, four Republiek van Zoid Afrika collaboration albums and 27 iTunes no.1 hits. This new solo project contains two power ballads, some heavier numbers with tongue in the cheek social commentary, as well as old school rock & roll songs – in true Karen Zoid style.
The response to the star’s comeback single has been phenomenal so far. “The song is a love song for adults,” Karen admits. “We all learn that life is not really about our own little worlds, yet the presence of love makes it evident to me that we are not alone in this universe.”
Karen also adds that despite the fact that creating albums is on the decline internationally and artists are leaning towards releasing tracks on a single-by-single basis, this EP lets her experience the best of both worlds. “I want to feel part of this current era rather than to try and go against it. Everything seems to have a more immediate effect because of online platforms. And this is not only in music, but the way of the world in general,” she says. “Someone says something in America and it affects the whole Middle East. Instantly. The process of my writing usually entails creating twenty or thirty songs and from these I choose the “best” twelve. But with these songs I decided to complete the first few songs I wrote and recorded it immediately. I wanted to capture the immediacy of moments, though I know it’s mostly impossible. I am trying. I want to explore and fully experience it.”
The star, however, is also using the EP to make history by releasing what is reportedly South Africa’s first visual album. The record will feature seven brand new music videos for the new tracks making this an incredibly exciting project.
Op Die Oomblik – Deel Een Tracklist:
1) Vonkelvrou
2) Vir Jou
3) Dames En Here
4) Maak Dit Of Breek Dit
5) Weg Wereld
6) Vertaal
7) Giant Mistake (Bonus Track)
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